User:Scarlettbegam/Arranged marriage

Modern-Day Arranged Marriage
Modern-day arranged marriages are different from old-time arranged marriages. Like most things, things evolve, but how arranged marriages get pursued is entirely different now than ever before. In the past, both families set up arranged marriages when the future couple were children. In many arranged marriages, the couple would get engaged one day after meeting for the first time. Most people in the U.S. would think that sounds absurd, but to many, that was tradition. In addition, in some arranged marriages, the couple meets for the first time on their wedding day. But now, things have changed in the world of arranged marriage. Although most families still pick their children’s future spouse, the couple can go on dates, chat, and get to know each other before committing to a marriage together. There seems to be much more freedom in modern-day arranged marriages than in older times. Modern arranged marriages have undergone a profound transformation. While families still play a large role in selecting a spouse for their children, the process now allows for greater interaction and acquaintance between the possible couple. Unlike the past, modern couples are given the opportunity to go on dates, engage in conversations, and truly get to know each other before committing to a marriage together. Also, as time has passed, technology has drastically improved, which has created online dating. In former times, families had to network with friends and other family members to find potential matches for their children. But now, there is such a thing as dating websites and apps for arranged marriages. One of these so-called websites for setting up an arranged marriage is called Shaddi.com. Families can browse potential matches and send their profiles and pictures to their children and other family members to set them up. Something new is that young couples can date like normal couples and get a feel for one another. Getting to know each other before jumping into a marriage is better for both people involved and also lessens the chance of divorce. However, with this upbringing of dating apps and websites, relationships have become more and more casual, so arranged marriages may now be more successful than ordinary day relationships. To summarize, recent arranged marriages have changed in so many ways throughout history. Modern-day society and technology have made things much more accessible and functional for families who continue to arrange marriages, which has led these marriages to change so much from the past. Arranged marriages have undergone profound changes over time, driven by societal evolution and technological innovation. Modern day arranged marriages offer families and couples much more freedom and opportunity to navigate the path to marriage and a happy life, resulting in marriages that are increasingly successful and fulfilling compared to conventional relationships.

In Japan, many people find it very difficult to find a potential future spouse, so they have their parents arrange a marriage for them. Every so often, a matchmaking agency called “matchmaking agency Association of Parents of Marriage Proposal Information” holds an event for young people in Japan who are looking for their future spouses. This event costs the parents of these young adults 14,000 yen or $96 to attend, which is expensive. With housing being so expensive, a low-income economy, and the demanding work culture going against people in Japan, fewer Japanese want to get married and have children. The economic pressures, coupled with societal shifts towards individualism and career-focused lifestyles, have led to a declining interest in marriage and child-rearing among the younger generation in Japan..Some parents are spooked at the thought of paying for their children to attend these events to make sure they can marry a higher-class citizen to have a better marriage and life together. These parents want what is best for their children, and if it means having to arrange a marriage for them, so be it. Arranged marriages remain very common in many parts of the world, including Japan. While the practice has evolved significantly over time, moving away from strictly familial arrangements towards a more relaxed way of getting to know one another and mutual consent, its presence in modern society continues. Modern arranged marriages often incorporate elements of personal choice and freedom with the opportunities to interact, date, and build relationships before committing to marriage. Arranged marriages happen all over the world every day, and they are still very prevalent in society, whether we acknowledge it or not. Although arranged marriages have changed dramatically throughout the years, they still exist and have come a long way.

Forced vs. arranged marriages
Forced and arranged marriages are distinct practices prevalent in various cultures, each characterized by unique principles and implications. Forced marriage entails coercion, where one or both parties are compelled into marriage against their will, often through emotional manipulation, threats, or physical violence. This practice disregards individual autonomy and consent, leading to profound emotional distress and violation of human rights. In contrast, arranged marriage involves familial or societal intervention in selecting a spouse for one or both individuals based on cultural, religious, or social considerations. However, the consent of the individuals involved remains most important in arranged marriages, distinguishing them from forced unions. Arranged marriages may involve input from the prospective spouses, allowing them a degree of agency in the process, although within the framework of familial or societal expectations. Thus, while both forced and arranged marriages involve external influences in partner selection, the pivotal disparity lies in the presence or absence of consent, underscoring the ethical and moral implications inherent in each practice. Within a news article, Professor Burns, the Anti-Slavery Australia diretor states, “Arranged marriages are widely practiced in Australia, and there are many people who have been married after being introduced by a family member or member of the community — but ultimately, the couple decides whether they want to marry. A forced marriage is the opposite. There is no complete and free consent.” (Kassis, 2023). Ultimately, the critical distinction between forced and arranged marriages lies in the presence or absence of consent. Forced marriage represents a violation of individual autonomy and human rights, characterized by coercion and lack of consent. In contrast, arranged marriage, when conducted ethically and with respect for the agency of the individuals involved, can offer a pathway to union that aligns with cultural and familial values while still honoring the importance of consent and personal choice.

Politics in arranged marriage
Politics within arranged marriages can manifest through negotiating and navigating familial, societal, and cultural expectations surrounding the union. In many cultures where arranged marriages are prevalent, considerations such as family status, wealth, social connections, and even political alliances may influence the selection of a spouse. The decision-making process often involves the individuals directly involved and their families, who may seek to align the marriage with their interests and aspirations. On the other hand, an article within The Wire states, “The financial aspect on the other hand is a newer addition which entails a girl’s professional ambitions and earning capacity. It is because a greater number of Indian women are pursuing professional degrees and subsequent employment. More importantly, due to a rise in the standard of living of an average Indian middle class couple that it has become essential for both spouses to earn. However, a word of caution doing the rounds within the groom community is that ambition combined with financial independence is a lethal combination; hence, it is essential to nip it in the bud.” (Dhoop, 2018). Additionally, political factors outside the immediate family sphere, such as community dynamics or broader societal norms, can further shape the parameters of arranged marriages. Consequently, the power, influence, and negotiation dynamics within arranged marriages can reflect complex interplays between personal desires, familial expectations, and external pressures, underscoring the intricate relationship between marriage and politics in diverse cultural contexts. Moreover, arranged marriages can intersect with political ideologies, particularly in contexts where cultural traditions intersect with state policies. In societies where arranged marriages are deeply entrenched, governments may seek to regulate or promote such unions as a means of preserving cultural identity or social cohesion. Conversely, movements advocating for individual rights and autonomy may challenge the practice of arranged marriages, framing it as an infringement on personal freedom and agency. The interplay between political ideologies, state interventions, and cultural practices can profoundly shape the dynamics of arranged marriages, influencing everything from the selection process to the power dynamics within the marital relationship. In essence, politics within arranged marriages encompass a multifaceted interplay of personal, familial, societal, and geopolitical factors, shaping the dynamics and outcomes of these unions in complex ways. Understanding the political dimensions of arranged marriages requires an appreciation of the broader social, cultural, and historical contexts in which they occur, highlighting the intricate interconnections between marriage, power, and politics.